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At the age of 10, I came across a story in my local paper about the World Air Guitar Competition, that happens every year in my birthplace of Oulu, Finland. My family had volunteered at the inaugural contest since 1996 – my mum distributed flyers, my dad organized the music. From that point, country-level contests have been organized in many nations, with the champions assembling in Oulu annually.

At the time, I requested permission if I could participate. They weren't sure at first; the show was in a bar, and there would be an older crowd. They thought it might be an intimidating atmosphere, but I was set on it.

During childhood, I was always miming air guitar, miming along to the iconic rock tunes with my make-believe instrument. My parents were enthusiasts – my father loved Springsteen and the Irish rock band. the Australian rockers was the first band I stumbled upon myself. the guitarist, the lead guitarist, was my hero.

As I took the stage, I performed my act to AC/DC’s Whole Lotta Rosie. The spectators started chanting “Angus”, reminiscent of the live recording, and it hit me: so this is to be a music icon. I advanced to the last round, playing to hundreds of people in Oulu’s market square, and I was captivated. I got the nickname “Little Angus” that day.

Later I paused. I was a referee one year, and opened for the show another time, but I didn’t compete. I returned at 18, tested out several stage names, but people kept calling me “Little Angus” so I accepted it fully and adopt “The Angus” as my stage name. I’ve qualified for the last round annually from 2022 onward, and in 2023 I was the runner-up, so I was determined to win this year.

The air guitar community is like a support system. Our motto is ‘Create music, not conflict’. Though it appears humorous, but it’s a genuine belief.

The competition itself is intense but joyful. Competitors have a short window to give everything – explosive energy, flawless imitation, stage magnetism – on an nonexistent axe. Judges evaluate you on a point range from 4.0 to 6.0. In the case of a tie, there’s an “tiebreaker” between the last two competitors: a tune begins and you improvise.

Preparation is everything. I picked an Avenged Sevenfold song for my act. I played it repeatedly for multiple weeks. I stretched constantly, trying to get my lower body loose enough to leap, my hands nimble enough to mimic solos and my spine set for those moves and leaps. When the big day came, I could internalize the track in my being.

Once all acts were done, the scores came in, and I had matched with the winner from Japan, Yuta “Sudo-chan” Sudo – it was moment for an air-off. We went head-to-head to that classic rock anthem by the iconic band. As the music started, I felt comforted because it was a tune I recognized, and primarily I was so thrilled to play again. Once the results were read I’d triumphed, the venue exploded.

My memory is blurry. I think I blacked out from shock. Then the crowd started performing Neil Young’s that well-known track and raised me up on to their arms. A former champion – AKA his stage name – a previous titleholder and one of my best pals, was hugging me. I cried. I was the first Finnish air guitar global winner in two and a half decades. The earlier winner from Finland, the former champion, was there, too. He bestowed upon me the biggest hug and said it was “finally happening”.

This worldwide group is like a family. The phrase we live by is “Focus on fun, not fighting”. It may seem humorous, but it’s a real philosophy. Participants come from all over the world, and all involved is helpful and motivating. Prior to performing, each contestant comes and hugs you. Then for one minute you’re able to be uninhibited, playful, the ultimate music icon in the world.

I’m also a beat keeper and guitarist in a group with my family member called the group title, named after Gareth Southgate, as we’re inspired by UK rock and post-punk. I’ve been bartending for a couple of years, and I create independent videos and performance clips. The title hasn’t changed my day-to-day life too much but I’ve been doing a extensive media, and I hope it results in more artistic projects. My hometown will be a European capital of culture the coming year, so there are great prospects.

At present, I’m just thankful: for the network, for the opportunity to play, and for that little kid who read an article and thought, “I want to do that.”